Astronomy Picture of the Day—20190126

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2019 January 26

Matterhorn,Moon, and Meteor

ImageCredit & Copyright: Stephane Vetter (Nuits sacrées), TWAN

Explanation:Fans of planet Earth probably recognize the Matterhorn in the foreground ofthis night skyscape. Famed in mountaineering history, the 4,478 meter Alpinemountain stands next to the totally eclipsed Moon. In spite of -22 degree Ctemperatures, the inspired scene was captured on the morning of January 21 fromthe mountains near Zermatt, Switzerland. Different exposures record the dim redlight reflected by the Moon fully immersed in Earth's shadow. Seen directlyabove the famous Alpine peak, but about 600 light-years away, are the stars ofthe Praesepe or Beehive star cluster also known as Messier 44. An added rewardto the cold eclipse vigil, a bright and colorful meteor flashed below thetemporarily dimmmed Moon, just tracing the Matterhorn's north-eastern climbingroute along Hornli ridge.